Why is aerodynamics favoured over mechanical grip in F1?

Why is aerodynamics nowadays favoured over mechanical grip in Formula 1. The front wing is almost wider than the whole car and this leads to risks as a small impact can break it.

Aerodynamics has a much larger impact on the performance of a car. Regulations ultimately define the features of the car. You could make the wings smaller, increasing the relative importance of mechanical grip. It all depends on the regulations, if they would weigh mechanical grip then front wing damages would not be that significant.